Ken Seeley – World of Psychologyhttps://psychcentral.com/blog
Dr. John Grohol's daily update on all things in psychology and mental health. Since 1999.Mon, 16 Oct 2017 20:30:37 +0000en-UShourly11118172845 Ways to Deal with the Stress of an Interventionhttps://psychcentral.com/blog/archives/2013/10/15/5-ways-to-deal-with-the-stress-of-an-intervention/
https://psychcentral.com/blog/archives/2013/10/15/5-ways-to-deal-with-the-stress-of-an-intervention/#respondWed, 16 Oct 2013 02:19:14 +0000http://psychcentral.com/blog/?p=50559Staging an intervention for a loved one is stressful and emotionally taxing. Having an addict in your life is difficult in its own way and leads to many strong and difficult emotions, including anger, sadness, and guilt. If someone you love is addicted to drugs or alcohol, you may feel powerless and frustrated.

Ultimately, only an addict can decide to get help, but you may be able to influence his or her decision by staging an intervention. Doing so will give you and other loved ones an opportunity to communicate with the addict about the way his or her behavior is making you feel.

Deciding to stage an intervention can be very productive and helpful, but it may also mean dealing with a new set of stressors. Here are five ways to deal with the stress of staging an intervention.

Take time for yourself.

It can be difficult, when planning an intervention, to become caught up in the person for whom you are planning it. Remember that you must make your own health and well-being a priority as well. Make sure you plan time to unwind, even if it means you have to put it in your calendar. Do not allow this time to be monopolized by anything else.

Exercise.

Exercise increases endorphins, which naturally elevate your mood. Brisk walks can be a great way to find a few minutes of peace and quiet, and classes such as yoga offer a chance to release muscular tension while encouraging a calm state of mind.

Write down your thoughts and feelings.

It is easy to feel overwhelmed when you are struggling with what feels like an avalanche of emotions. Your thoughts and feelings may seem much more manageable if you can write them down and look at them individually. Try journaling for just a few minutes a day or even making a list of what you feel is upsetting you.

Talk to other people.

You should not feel that you are going through this alone. Talk to other friends and family members who are also involved in the addict’s life. They likely are experiencing similar emotions and may be able to offer you tips on how they are dealing with their stress.

Even having a sympathetic ear can make a huge impact. You may also want to consider speaking with a therapist, who can help you sort through the thoughts and feelings you’re experiencing.

Do something you enjoy.

Try taking your mind off things for a bit. When you are feeling depressed or anxious, you may not be as eager to partake in hobbies or activities that make you happy, but try doing them anyway. Perhaps make a new recipe, start a craft, or see a movie with friends. Having something else to focus on, even for an hour or two, can be a huge relief and may help curb some of your repeatedly cycling thoughts.

]]>https://psychcentral.com/blog/archives/2013/10/15/5-ways-to-deal-with-the-stress-of-an-intervention/feed/0505597 Common Misconceptions About Addiction Interventionshttps://psychcentral.com/blog/archives/2013/08/26/7-common-misconceptions-about-addiction-interventions/
https://psychcentral.com/blog/archives/2013/08/26/7-common-misconceptions-about-addiction-interventions/#commentsMon, 26 Aug 2013 16:13:31 +0000http://psychcentral.com/blog/?p=49096When alcohol or drugs have taken over a loved one’s life, and they seem reluctant to face the facts about their addiction, sometimes we turn to an “intervention” to help them see that they need help. An intervention is when a group of loved ones — family, friends and concerned others — gather together to try and help the person see that they need treatment for their addiction.

For those who have never been involved in an intervention, the process may seem daunting and full of unanswered questions. Many people have only seen drug interventions on television or in movies, and are not sure what to expect at an actual intervention.

Here are seven common misconceptions about drug and alcohol interventions.

You should wait until a person has hit rock bottom.

“Rock bottom” is a often-used phrase when discussing addicts and addictive behavior. Many believe that an addict cannot bounce back into sobriety until they have hit this extremely low point. The reality is that rock bottom can be difficult to pinpoint. Rather than wait for this vaguely defined time, try to get help for your loved one before things progress that far.

Sobriety is possible if an addict is strong enough.

Addiction is a disease rooted in a number of causes. Chemical dependency takes over an addict’s brain and changes his or her entire neurological makeup. Addicts need more than just willpower to get sober. Convince them to get help now.

Rehab won’t work if an addict has already failed it.

Just because an addict has relapsed in the past does not mean treatment will not work. He or she simply has to try again.

Addicts lack strong morals.

Anyone can become an addict. People who are genetically predisposed to addiction are even more likely to become addicts themselves, regardless of the character they possess.

Addicts will sever ties with those staging an intervention.

It is difficult to predict an addict’s response to an intervention. Drug and alcohol abuse can make a person unstable, which is why it is always necessary to seek the help of a professional interventionist. Just because an addict gets upset, however, does not mean they will sever ties. They will, at some point, realize that their friends and family are only trying to help.

Interventions should be staged when the addict is under the influence.

This is never a good idea. When planning an intervention, all possible steps should be made to ensure that an addict is sober when confronted. A person who is under the influence may be very volatile and will not fully process what is being said to them.

Interventions should be staged by friends and family only.

A professional interventionist is a vital part of making sure the intervention is safe and effective. It can be dangerous and very counterproductive to attempt to intervene with an addict without professional help. Always contact a professional interventionist, who will help you devise a plan to make the intervention as productive and healthy as possible.

]]>https://psychcentral.com/blog/archives/2013/08/26/7-common-misconceptions-about-addiction-interventions/feed/6490965 Steps to Stop Drug Addiction Before it Startshttps://psychcentral.com/blog/archives/2013/08/05/5-steps-to-stop-drug-addiction-before-it-starts/
https://psychcentral.com/blog/archives/2013/08/05/5-steps-to-stop-drug-addiction-before-it-starts/#commentsMon, 05 Aug 2013 10:18:09 +0000http://psychcentral.com/blog/?p=48211Recovering from addiction can be a difficult and taxing process. Certain people are much more susceptible to addiction, as factors such as genetics or environmental issues can make substance abuse much more likely.

There are, however, several effective ways to prevent drug addiction.

Here are some tips on how to stop addiction before it even starts.

Find healthy ways to cope with stress.

Many people begin using drugs as a way to deal with stress and tension. The reality is, however, that drugs are only a temporary fix. Once a person comes down from drugs, they are likely to experience physical and psychological side effects that only intensify feelings of anxiety. Finding coping methods such as exercise or meditation can eliminate the urge to try drugs.

Seek therapy or counseling.

It is not at all uncommon to experience feelings of depression. Many people experience highs and lows that can be difficult to cope with. Drug users often are people who are attempting to self-medicate for their psychological issues.

The problem is that drugs do not treat mental issues themselves. They simply treat the symptoms. Working through problems with a mental health professional is a much more effective and long-lasting way of treating a psychological or emotional problem.

Maintain a lifestyle that makes you happy.

Low self-esteem and depression are major triggers for drug abuse. It is easy to let one aspect of your life, such as work, become overwhelming, to the point that you do not enjoy or partake in other important aspects of your life.

Maintaining strong relationships and a healthy balance between physical and mental activity can help you maintain the stability that is needed to stay drug free.

Have things in your life that you care deeply about.

Whether it’s a sport, artistic endeavor, or personal relationships, having something that you are passionate about motivates you to stay healthy and mentally and emotionally in shape. If you care deeply enough about the people and activities in your life, you are less likely to jeopardize them by experimenting with drugs.

Be aware of your family’s history with substance abuse.

The tendency toward addiction is linked to genetics, so be familiar with any parents or other family members who have struggled with addiction. If you know that you have a higher chance of becoming addicted, take extra precautions to avoid drugs and alcohol.

It is much easier to avoid substances altogether than it is to recover from addiction. If you were around a parent who abused drugs as a child, you may also want to seek counseling to help you resolve any issues you may have around alcohol or other addictive drugs.

No matter what your background or current situation is, it is possible to avoid slipping into the dangers of addiction. They keys lie in keeping yourself happy and healthy while you are drug-free.